Vehicle power supply box device

ABSTRACT

A vehicle power supply box device includes: a first system including a first relay connected downstream of a second line for feeding electric power in association with a state of an ignition switch, to be turned ON/OFF in association with the state; and a second system including a second relay connected downstream of a first line for constantly feeding electric power, to be turned ON/OFF in association with the state of the ignition switch. The device further includes: a recovery switch portion connected between an output of a switch portion of the first relay and an output of the second system; an operation abnormality detecting portion which detects presence/absence of abnormality in the output of the switch portion of the second relay; and a recovery control portion which controls the recovery switch portion to be turned ON/OFF in accordance with the presence/absence of the abnormality.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation of PCT application No.PCT/JP2015/077372, which was filed on Sep. 28, 2015 based on JapanesePatent Application No. 2014-199130 filed on Sep. 29, 2014, the contentsof which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a vehicle power supply box device whichis disposed between an output of a main power supply on a vehicle andpower supply lines for a plurality of electric parts mounted on thevehicle.

2. Description of the Related Art

JP-A-2003-72490, JP-A-2009-220601, and WO 2004/104834 A1 belong tobackground-art techniques of the invention. In a vehicle, power supplyelectric power (e.g. +12 [V] DC power) has to be fed from an output of amain power supply on the vehicle to respective loads mounted on thevehicle, via a predetermined wire harness. The main power supply is anon-vehicle battery or an alternator, and the loads are various electricdevices (also including ECUs). In addition, the output of the main powersupply has to be distributed to a plurality of systems, ON/OFF ofelectric power feed has to be controlled in accordance with each of thesystems, or respective portions of a circuit has to be protected againstabnormality such as an overcurrent.

Accordingly, it is general to dispose a junction box or dispose a devicecalled a fuse box or a power supply box between the output of thebattery and the large number of loads, as shown in FIG. 1 ofJP-A-2003-72490.

JP-A-2003-72490 discloses a vehicle load driving system which canperform drive control on large-power electric loads consuming largeelectric power even when a communication state of a multiplecommunication line becomes abnormal for performing drive control of highelectric loads which have high importance using the multiplecommunication line.

JP-A-2009-220601 discloses a vehicle power supply system in whichelectric power feed to an important load is changed over to be performedfrom a battery when an alternator is abnormal.

WO 2004/104834 A1 discloses a recovery control method of a vehiclecontrol system provided for performing suitable recovery processing inaccordance with a situation of abnormality in power supply.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Very important electric devices directly relevant to driving such asrunning, turning or stopping, and electric devices not directly relevantto the driving are present in a vehicle. No serious problem occurs evenwhen the latter electric devices stop operating. However, there is apossibility that the vehicle may cause an accident when the formerelectric devices stop operating during driving.

For example, assume that an electric device belonging to a brakingsystem stops when the vehicle is travelling. In this case, decelerationor stop of the vehicle is significantly hindered. In addition, forexample, assume that operation of an electric power steering device oran electric device such as a direction indicator stops when the vehicleis travelling on a curved road or when the vehicle is turning at anintersection. In this case, it is difficult for the vehicle to make aturn safely. In addition, for example, assume that operation of anelectric device belonging to an engine system or a transmission systemstops when the vehicle is travelling on a road having a large trafficvolume, a highway etc. In this case, it is difficult to move the vehicleto a place where the vehicle can be stopped safely.

However, when electric power feed from the vehicle side to a highlyimportant electric device of various electric devices mounted on thevehicle stops for some reason, operation of the highly importantelectric device stops immediately. Therefore, it can be also consideredthat the vehicle is likely to fall into a dangerous situation.

Each actual vehicle is designed and manufactured with a concept in whichelectric power feed from the vehicle side to various electric devicesshould be prevented from stopping if not necessary. Accordingly, anon-vehicle power supply feeding system has sufficiently highreliability. However, it is desirable that a possibility that, forexample, disconnection of an electric wire of a wire harness, contactfailure of a connector, etc. may occur for some reason is also takeninto consideration. That is, it is desired that an operation of feedingelectric power to the highly important electric device is maintainedeven when abnormality has occurred in electric power feed from the powersupply for some unexpected reason.

On the other hand, electric power feeding systems independent of eachother are generally present in the on-vehicle power supply feedingsystem. Specifically, the on-vehicle power supply feeding system has anIG system, an ACC system, a +B system, etc. which will be shown asfollows. These electric power feeding systems are optimized inaccordance with applications or load-side specifications (electric powerconsumption etc.) respectively.

IG system: Electric power is fed when a vehicle key switch is in an ONor start position and an ignition (IG) switch is ON.

ACC system: Electric power is fed when the vehicle key switch is in anACC or ON position and an accelerator (ACC) switch is ON.

+B system: Electric power which is outputted by the battery or thealternator of the vehicle is constantly fed regardless of the positionof the vehicle key switch.

The aforementioned highly important electric device is generallyconnected to the aforementioned “+B system”. However, when abnormalitysuch as disconnection occurs on an upstream side of the “+B system”,electric power feed to the highly important electric device also stops.

In addition, in some cases, the highly important electric device mayalso have to be fed with power supply electric power via a switch ofsome relay due to the necessity of system specifications. However, whenthe relay breaks down, the vehicle is likely to fall into a situationthat electric power cannot be fed to the highly important electricdevice.

The invention has been accomplished in consideration of theaforementioned circumstances. An object of the invention is to provide avehicle power supply box device which can secure a route for feedingelectric power to at least a highly important electric device even whenunexpected abnormality in power supply has occurred.

In order to achieve the above-described object, a vehicle power supplybox device according to aspects of the present invention includes thefollowing items (1) to (5).

(1) A vehicle power supply box device which is connected between: afirst input side power supply line for constantly feeding power supplyelectric power from a main power supply on a vehicle and a second inputside power supply line for feeding power supply electric power from themain power supply in association with a state of an ignition switch ofthe vehicle; and a plurality of electric parts mounted on the vehicle,the vehicle power supply box device including:

a first ignition electric power control system which includes a firstignition relay connected downstream of the second input side powersupply line to be turned ON/OFF in association with the state of theignition switch, and which feeds power supply electric power to firstgroup electric parts from an output of a switch portion of the firstignition relay;

a second ignition electric power control system which includes a secondignition relay connected downstream of the first input side power supplyline to be turned ON/OFF in association with the state of the ignitionswitch, and which feeds power supply electric power to second groupelectric parts from an output of a switch portion of the second ignitionrelay;

a recovery switch portion which is connected between the output of theswitch portion of the first ignition relay and an output of the secondignition electric power control system;

an operation abnormality detecting portion which detectspresence/absence of abnormality in the output of the switch portion ofthe second ignition relay; and

a recovery control portion which controls the recovery switch portion tobe turned ON/OFF in accordance with the presence/absence of theabnormality detected by the operation abnormality detecting portion.

(2) The vehicle power supply box device according to the item (1),

wherein the recovery switch portion includes:

-   -   a first selection switch portion which selects one of the output        of the switch portion of the first ignition relay and the output        of the switch portion of the second ignition relay as an        electric power feeding system connected to an input of the        second group electric parts; and    -   a second selection switch portion which cuts off electric power        feed to the first group electric parts in response to selection        of the output of the switch portion of the first ignition relay        by the first selection switch portion.

(3) The vehicle power supply box device according to the item (1) or(2),

wherein the operation abnormality detecting portion monitors an inputvoltage to detect presence/absence of abnormality corresponding tooperation failure in the second ignition relay.

(4) The vehicle power supply box device according to any one of theitems (1) to (3), further including:

an operating portion which accepts an input operation from a user; and

a display portion which displays desired information as visualinformation,

wherein the recovery control portion displays visual informationindicating occurrence of abnormality on the display portion in responseto detection of the abnormality by the operation abnormality detectingportion, and changes over the recovery switch portion to ON in responseto detection of an instruction issued from the user to indicatepermission of a recovery operation by the operating portion.

(5) The vehicle power supply box device according to any one of theitems (1) to (3), further including:

a display portion which displays desired information as visualinformation,

wherein the recovery control portion displays, on the display portion,at least one of visual information indicating occurrence of abnormalityand visual information indicating that a predetermined recoveryoperation is in execution due to the occurrence of the abnormality.

According to the vehicle power supply box device having theconfiguration according to the item (1), the connection of the recoveryswitch portion is changed over to ON when electric power is not fed fromthe output of the second ignition electric power control system due tooccurrence of abnormality in which, for example, the connection of theswitch portion of the second ignition relay stays OFF unmovably. In thismanner, electric power can be fed to the output of the second ignitionelectric power control system via the first ignition electric powercontrol system and the recovery switch portion. Accordingly, it ispossible to secure a route for feeding electric power to the secondgroup electric parts high in importance even under the abnormality.

According to the vehicle power supply box device having theconfiguration according to the item (2), electric power feed to thefirst group electric parts relatively low in importance is cut off whena recovery operation is performed due to occurrence of abnormality.Accordingly, it is possible to feed sufficient electric power to thesecond group electric parts high in importance even when electric powerallowed by the second input side power supply line and the firstignition electric power control system is relatively small due to systemspecifications.

According to the vehicle power supply box device having theconfiguration according to the item (3), it is possible to detectabnormality surely when electric power cannot be fed to a load side dueto operation failure of the second ignition relay.

According to the vehicle power supply box device having theconfiguration according to the item (4), it is possible to inform a user(driver) of occurrence of abnormality about the electric power feedingsystem and it is possible to reflect the user's will to change over theroute for feeding electric power.

According to the vehicle power supply box device having theconfiguration according to the item (5), it is possible to surely informthe driver of the situation of the vehicle when abnormality in powersupply has occurred.

According to the vehicle power supply box device according to aspects ofthe invention, it is possible to secure a route for feeding electricpower to at least a highly important electric device even whenunexpected abnormality in power supply has occurred.

The aspects of the invention have been described above briefly. Further,when the following embodiments are read through with reference to theaccompanying drawings, details can be made further clear.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a vehiclepower supply box device according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are flow charts respectively showing contents of twokinds of recovery control in the vehicle power supply box device shownin FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are flow charts respectively showing contents of twokinds of display control in the vehicle power supply box device shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are flow charts respectively showing modificationsof the contents of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B.

FIG. 5 is a front view showing display contents of a normal time on adisplay screen in the vehicle power supply box device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a front view showing display contents of an abnormalityoccurrence time on the display screen in the vehicle power supply boxdevice shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a front view showing display contents of a recovery operationtime in the vehicle power supply box device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is an electric circuit diagram showing the state of theabnormality occurrence time in a power supply box body circuit shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is an electric circuit diagram showing a modification of theconfiguration of the power supply box body circuit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

A specific embodiment concerned with a vehicle power supply box devicewill be described below with reference to the respective drawings.

<Configuration of Device>

<Overview>

A configuration example of a vehicle power supply box device accordingto the embodiment is shown in FIG. 1. The vehicle power supply boxdevice shown in FIG. 1 is disposed between an output of a main powersupply of a vehicle and loads mounted on the vehicle. The main powersupply is an alternator (power generator) or an on-vehicle battery, andthe loads are various electric devices and various electronic controlunits (ECUs) which are not shown. The vehicle power supply box device isused for controlling electric power feed to the respective loads.

As fundamental functions, the vehicle power supply box device has afunction of breaking an overcurrent for each of load systems usingfuses, and a function of controlling ON/OFF of electric power feed tothe loads using relays.

On the other hand, an on-vehicle power supply feeding system includes aplurality of electric power feeding systems which are provided tosatisfy various requirements on the vehicle side and the load side.Specifically, the on-vehicle power supply feeding system has an IGsystem, an ACC system, a +B system etc. which will be shown as follows.These electric power feeding systems are optimized in accordance withapplications or load-side specifications (electric power consumptionetc.) respectively.

IG system: Electric power is fed when a vehicle key switch is in an ONor start position and an ignition (IG) switch is ON. In addition, insome cases, the IG system may be divided into two systems, i.e. an “IG1system” and an “IG2 system”.

ACC system: Electric power is fed when the vehicle key switch is in anACC or ON position and an accessory (ACC) switch is ON.

+B system: Electric power outputted by the battery or the alternator ofthe vehicle is constantly fed regardless of the position of the vehiclekey switch.

For example, electric devices (a power window, a door lock, etc.)disposed in each door of the vehicle have to be constantly operated evenin a state in which the vehicle is stopped. Accordingly, the electricdevices are usually fed with electric power from the “+B system”. Inaddition, an electric device consuming relatively large power, such asan air conditioner or any of various heaters of the vehicle, is fed withelectric power from the “IG system” so that the battery can be preventedfrom being consumed in a state in which the vehicle is stopped (in astate in which the vehicle is not generating power). In addition, anelectric device consuming relatively small electric power, such as a caraudio device, is fed with electric power from the “ACC” system so thatthe battery can be used in accordance with a user's request even in thestate in which the vehicle is stopped.

In the vehicle power supply box device shown in FIG. 1, electric poweris fed from the output of the alternator and the on-vehicle battery,which are the main power supply of the vehicle, to a +B power supplyside input line 11 and an IG power supply side input line 12respectively. The +B power supply side input line 11 is an electric wireprepared for feeding electric power of the aforementioned “+B system”.The IG power supply side input line 12 is an electric wire prepared forfeeding electric power of the aforementioned “IG system”. The +B powersupply side input line 11 and the IG power supply side input line 12 areconnected between the output of the main power supply and an input ofthe vehicle power supply box device in FIG. 1 in independent routes ofeach other.

A function for turning ON/OFF electric power feed to the “IG system”loads in association with the state of the ignition switch is disposedinside the vehicle power supply box device in FIG. 1. Accordingly,electric power from the output of the main power supply is constantlyfed to the IG power supply side input line 12 regardless of the state ofthe ignition switch.

On the other hand, a wire harness including the +B power supply sideinput line 11, the IG power supply side input line 12, etc. is designedand manufactured so that sufficiently high reliability can be obtained.However, it is also important that a possibility that unexpectedbreakdown may occur for some reason is also taken into consideration.

When, for example, one of the +B power supply side input line 11 and theIG power supply side input line 12 is disconnected or contact failureoccurs in a portion of a connector etc., power supply failure occurs inthe vehicle power supply box device so that electric power cannot be fedto electric devices under the failed one of the +B power supply sideinput line 11 and the IG power supply side input line 12. In addition,when breakdown of a relay has occurred inside the vehicle power supplybox device, power supply failure occurs so that electric power cannot befed to each electric device connected downstream of the relay.

In a case in which the aforementioned power supply failure has occurred,when electric power feed to electric devices directly relevant todriving of the vehicle, i.e. electric devices actuating one of atraveling system, a steering system and a braking system of the vehiclestops in this case, the driving is hindered so that it is difficult tosecure safety. Therefore, the vehicle power supply box device shown inFIG. 1 is equipped with a special function for securing a route forfeeding electric power to electric devices which are high in importanceand directly relevant to the driving of the vehicle, even whenunexpected power supply failure has occurred. Details will be describedlater.

<Details of Configuration>

The vehicle power supply box device shown in FIG. 1 is provided with apower supply box body circuit 10, a control unit 50, and an operatingportion 60.

The power supply box body circuit 10 feeds electric power fed from themain power supply of the vehicle to the +B power supply side input line11 and the IG power supply side input line 12, to respective loads(electric devices and ECUs) on the load side. The control unit 50executes control of a part of relays inside the power supply box bodycircuit 10. The operating portion 60 includes a touch panel 61 and adisplay portion 62 to provide a user interface for operating the powersupply.

<Configuration of Power Supply Box Body Circuit 10>

The power supply box body circuit 10 shown in FIG. 1 is provided with a+B power supply side circuit 20 connected to the +B power supply sideinput line 11, an IG power supply side circuit 30 connected to the IGpower supply side input line 12, and a recovery first relay 41.Incidentally, although signs designating a part of relay coils in FIG. 1are omitted, driving coils are provided in all the relays. It is amatter of course that each of the relays may be replaced by a coil-freesemiconductor relay.

<Configuration of +B Power Supply Side Circuit 20>

The +B power supply side circuit 20 is provided with five fuses 21 to25, a relay 26, a body system relay 27, an IG2 system relay 28, arecovery second relay 42A, and output terminals 13 a to 13 f. The +Bpower supply side circuit 20 is roughly divided to feed electric powerto respective loads in four routes.

As to the first route of the +B power supply side circuit 20, electricpower is fed from the +B power supply side input line 11 to the outputterminal 13 a via the fuse 21. In addition, as to the second route ofthe +B power supply side circuit 20, electric power is fed from the +Bpower supply side input line 11 to the output terminal 13 b via the fuse22. Moreover, as to the third route of the +B power supply side circuit20, electric power is fed from the +B power supply side input line 11 tothe output terminal 13 c via a switch of the relay 26, the fuse 23 and aswitch of the body system relay 27. Moreover, as to the fourth route ofthe +B power supply side circuit 20, electric power is fed from the +Bpower supply side input line 11 to the output terminal 13 e or 13 f viaa switch of the IG2 system relay 28, a switch of the recovery secondrelay 42A and the fuse 24 or 25.

When a switch of the recovery first relay 41 has been changed over to ONby control of the control unit 50, electric power may be fed from the IGpower supply side input line 12 instead of being fed from the +B powersupply side input line 11. In addition, the switch of the recoverysecond relay 42A may be changed over so that the fourth route of the +Bpower supply side circuit 20 can be changed over.

The output terminal 13 a is used, for example, for feeding power supplyelectric power to an electric device of a flasher blinking a lamp of thevehicle. The output terminal 13 b is used, for example, for feedingpower supply electric power for controlling the not-shown ignitionswitch.

The output terminal 13 c is used, for example, for feeding power supplyelectric power to a plurality of electric devices mounted in all thedoors of the vehicle. In addition, a control output of a not-shownelectronic control unit (ECU) controlling the body system including theelectric devices of the doors is connected to the output terminal 13 d.The switch of the body system relay 27 is changed over between ON andOFF by control of the electronic control unit.

The output terminal 13 e is used, for example, for feeding power supplyelectric power to a not-shown electronic control unit (ECU) controllingvarious electric devices classified into the IG2 system. The outputterminal 13 f is used, for example, for feeding power supply electricpower to an air bag of the vehicle.

The IG2 system relay 28 is controlled in association with the not-shownignition switch as follows. That is, when the ignition switch is ON, theswitch of the IG2 system relay 28 is also ON. When the ignition switchis OFF, the switch of the IG2 system relay 28 is also OFF.

The switches of the recovery first relay 41, the relay 26, and therecovery second relay 42A are in states shown in FIG. 1 in an initialstate and a normal state. The states of these switches are changed overby control of the control unit 50 at an abnormality occurrence time etc.Incidentally, as to the switch of the recovery second relay 42A, acommon terminal 42Ac can be selectively connected to one of twoterminals 42A1 and 42A2.

<Configuration of IG Power Supply Side Circuit 30>

The IG power supply side circuit 30 is provided with five fuses 31 to35, an IG1 system relay 36, relays 37 and 38, a recovery second relay42B, and output terminals 13 g to 13 k. The IG power supply side circuit30 is roughly divided to feed electric power to respective loads in fourroutes.

As to the first route of the IG power supply side circuit 30, powersupply electric power is fed from the IG power supply side input line 12to the output terminal 13 g or 13 h via a switch of the IG1 system relay36, a switch of the recovery second relay 42B, and the fuse 31 or thefuse 32. However, when the control unit 50 controls the recovery secondrelay 42B, the switch of the recovery second relay 42B may be changedover so that electric power can be fed to another route.

The IG1 system relay 36 is controlled in association with the not-shownignition switch as follows. That is, when the ignition switch is ON, theswitch of the IG1 system relay 36 is also ON. When the ignition switchis OFF, the switch of the IG1 system relay 36 is also OFF.

As to the second route of the IG power supply side circuit 30, electricpower is fed from the IG power supply side input line 12 to the outputterminal 13 i via the fuse 33. As to the third route of the IG powersupply side circuit 30, electric power is fed from the IG power supplyside input line 12 to the output terminal 13 j via a switch of the relay37 and the fuse 34. As to the fourth route of the IG power supply sidecircuit 30, electric power is fed from the IG power supply side inputline 12 to the output terminal 13 k via a switch of the relay 38 and thefuse 35.

The switches of the relay 37 and the recovery second relay 42B can bechanged over independently of each other by control of the control unit50. The switch of the relay 38 can be changed over by control of anot-shown electronic control unit (ECU). Incidentally, as to the switchof the recovery second relay 42B, a common terminal 42Bc can beselectively connected to one of two terminals 42B1 and 42B2.

The output terminal 13 g is used, for example, for feeding power supplyelectric power to various electric devices classified into the IG1system, i.e. first group electric devices which have to association withthe ignition switch. Incidentally, here, the first group electricdevices mean electric devices relatively low in importance and notdirectly relevant to the driving (running, turning, stopping) of thevehicle. In addition, the output terminal 13 h is used for feeding powersupply electric power to an electronic control unit (not shown)controlling the various electric devices classified into the IG1 systemor other electric devices relatively low in importance and not directlyrelevant to the driving (running, turning, stopping) of the vehicle.

The output terminal 13 i is used, for example, for feeding power supplyelectric power to an electric device (AM1) controlling an engine system.In addition, the output terminal 13 j is used for feeding power supplyelectric power to electric devices (DOME) inside a cabin, such as anaudio device, a room lamp, a clock etc. Moreover, the output terminal 13k is used for feeding power supply electric power to an electric devicesuch as a tail lamp (TAIL LP) of the vehicle.

ON/OFF of the relay 37 for controlling electric power feed to the outputterminal 13 j is controlled in accordance with a signal outputted by thecontrol unit 50. In addition, ON/OFF of the relay 38 for controllingelectric power feed to the output terminal 13 k is controlled inaccordance with a signal outputted by the not-shown electronic controlunit (ECU).

<Configuration of Control Unit 50>

The control unit 50 shown in FIG. 1 is provided with a microcomputer(CPU) 51, a voltage monitoring portion 52, a driver 53, and a displaycontrol portion 54. Incidentally, a logic circuit which can carry outequivalent control may be used in place of the microcomputer 51.However, when relatively complicated control is carried out, use of themicrocomputer can achieve the complicated control at low cost.

The microcomputer 51 executes a program which has been incorporated inadvance, to thereby control ON/OFF of the respective relays inside thepower supply box body circuit 10 to achieve a characteristic recoverycontrol function which will be described later.

In the vehicle power supply box device shown in FIG. 1, the voltagemonitoring portion 52 monitors a voltage Vbin appearing in the +B powersupply side input line 11, and a voltage Vig2 appearing in an output ofthe IG2 system relay 28 respectively. Practically, the microcomputer 51grasps digital values of the voltages Vbin and Vig2 respectively throughthe voltage monitoring portion 52, and identifies presence/absence ofabnormality in power supply based on these voltage values.

The driver 53 amplifies a plurality of control signals outputted by themicrocomputer 51 individually, and applies the amplified control signalsto respective driving coils of the relay 26, the recovery first relay41, the recovery second relays 42A and 42B and the relay 37 which aredisposed inside the power supply box body circuit 10, to thereby carryout ON/OFF driving of the respective relays.

The display control portion 54 carries out display control fordisplaying information outputted by the microcomputer 51 as visualinformation on a display screen 63 of the display portion 62. Thedisplay portion 62 of the operating portion 60 has the planar displayscreen 63 constituted by a liquid crystal display device. In addition,the display screen 63 is constituted by a large number of pixels each ofwhich can control presence/absence of display, a display color,gradation, etc. separately. Accordingly, the display screen 63 candisplay visual information such as an image, a figure, or characters inaccordance with an instruction of the microcomputer 51. In addition, thetransparent touch panel 61 is superimposed and disposed on the displayscreen 63 of the display portion 62. When a user touches the touch panel61 with his/her finger, an input operation on an operation buttondisplayed on the display screen 63 can be performed. Incidentally,change may be made so that an input operation can be performed by use ofa switch (not shown) provided in another place than the touch panel 61.In this case, the touch panel 61 of the operating portion 60 may beomitted.

<Operation of Device>

Contents of two kinds of recovery control in the vehicle power supplybox device shown in FIG. 1 are shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2Brespectively. That is, when the microcomputer 51 of the control unit 50shown in FIG. 1 carries out at least “recovery control 1” of the“recovery control 1” shown in FIG. 2A and “recovery control 2” shown inFIG. 2B, the characteristic recovery operation is achieved.Incidentally, the “recovery control 1” of FIG. 2A and the “recoverycontrol 2” of FIG. 2B are repeatedly executed, for example, in a fixedperiod. In addition, modifications of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are shown inFIG. 4A and FIG. 4B.

<Recovery Control 1>

In a step S21 of FIG. 2A, the microcomputer 51 measures a voltage Vig2in the output of the IG2 system relay 28 through the voltage monitoringportion 52 to acquire a latest value of the voltage Vig2.

In a step S22, the microcomputer 51 compares the value of the voltageVig2 acquired in S21 with a predetermined threshold, to identifypresence/absence of abnormality such as breakdown of the IG2 systemrelay 28. The voltage Vig2 becomes 0 [V] when the IG2 system relay 28has broken down to leave a contact point of the switch of the IG2 systemrelay 28 open unmovably. Accordingly, when an intermediate value betweenthe normal voltage of the voltage Vig2 and 0 [V] is set as thethreshold, the microcomputer 51 can identify presence/absence of thebreakdown. The microcomputer 51 terminates the process of FIG. 2A at thenormal time. The microcomputer 51 goes to S23 when the breakdown isdetected.

In the step S23, the microcomputer 51 displays visual information on thedisplay screen 63 of the display portion 62. Due to the visualinformation indicating occurrence of the abnormality in power supply,the user can be informed of the abnormality. Incidentally, specificcontents of display control will be described later.

In a step S24, the microcomputer 51 monitors an input from the user onthe touch panel 61 to thereby identify presence/absence of an input forrecovery permission. When the operation input for recovery permission isdetected, the microcomputer 51 goes to a next step S25. Incidentally, itis also supposed that the microcomputer 51 performs processing to go toS25 automatically, for example, after a lapse of a predetermined time inspite of absence of the operation input for recovery permission. Inaddition, the microcomputer 51 may omit the steps S23 and S24 butperform processing as in the modification shown in FIG. 4A, or may omitonly the step S24 but keep the display function of S23.

In the step S25, the microcomputer 51 controls the recovery secondrelays 42A and 42B, to change over the input of the IG2 system to theoutput of the relay of the IG1 system. That is, the switch of therecovery second relay 42A is changed over to connect the common terminal42Ac to the terminal 42A2. In addition, the switch of the recoverysecond relay 42B is changed over to connect the common terminal 42Bc tothe terminal 42B1. Thus, the output of the IG1 system relay 36 isconnected to the input of the fuses 24 and 25 belonging to the IG2system, via the respective switches of the recovery second relays 42Band 42A. The respective switches are changed over to a state shown inFIG. 8 by the control of S25.

That is, when electric power from the +B power supply side cannot be fedto the input side of the recovery second relay 42A due to the breakdownof the IG2 system relay 28, electric power is fed instead from theoutput (IG1 system) of the IG1 system relay 36 to the input of the fuses24 and 25 belonging to the IG2 system via the recovery second relays 42Band 42A, as a recovery operation.

In a step S26, the microcomputer 51 cuts off electric power feed toloads low in priority among the loads connected to the IG1 system sothat total electric power consumption can be suppressed to therebyprevent shortage of electric power from occurring. Thus, even whenabnormality such as breakdown of a relay has occurred, electric powercan be recovered to be fed to all the loads directly relevant to any oneof running, turning and stopping of the vehicle.

In the case of the power supply box body circuit 10 shown in FIG. 1, theload connected to the output terminal 13 g, 13 h belongs to the IG1system of the vehicle and is not directly relevant to driving.Therefore, low priority can be allocated to the load connected to theoutput terminal 13 g, 13 h. Accordingly, the microcomputer 51 cuts offelectric power feed to the output terminal 13 g, 13 h in S26.Practically, due to the switch of the recovery second relay 42B changedover in S25, electric power feed to the output terminal 13 h, 13 h hasalready been cut off. Accordingly, nothing needs to be done in S26 inthe case of the circuit shown in FIG. 1.

Incidentally, various modifications can be considered as to theconfiguration of the circuit in the places of the recovery second relays42A and 42B. For example, the connection between the terminal 42A2 ofthe recovery second relay 42A and the terminal 42B1 of the recoverysecond relay 42B may be released but the terminal 42A2 may be directlyconnected to the output of the switch of the IG1 system relay 36. Inthis case, the following change may be made. That is, the recoverysecond relay 42A is changed over in S25 and the recovery second relay42B is changed over in S26.

<Recovery Control 2>

In a step S11 of FIG. 2B, the microcomputer 51 measures a voltage Vbinin the +B power supply side input line 11 through the voltage monitoringportion 52 to acquire a latest value of the voltage Vbin.

In a step S12, the microcomputer 51 compares the value of the voltageVbin acquired in S11 with a predetermined threshold, to identifypresence/absence of disconnection in the +B power supply side input line11. The voltage Vbin becomes 0 [V] when disconnection has occurred.Therefore, when an intermediate value between the normal voltage of thevoltage Vbin and 0 [V] is set as the threshold, the microcomputer 51 canidentify presence/absence of abnormality of the disconnection etc. Themicrocomputer 51 terminates the process of FIG. 2B at the normal time.The microcomputer 51 goes to S13 when the disconnection is detected.

In the step S13, the microcomputer 51 displays visual information on thedisplay screen 63 of the display portion 62. Due to the visualinformation indicating occurrence of the abnormality in power supply,the user can be informed of the abnormality. Incidentally, specificcontents of display control will be described later.

In a step S14, the microcomputer 51 monitors an input from the user onthe touch panel 61 to thereby identify presence/absence of an input forrecovery permission. When the operation input for recovery permission isdetected, the microcomputer 51 goes to a next step S15. Incidentally, itis also supposed that the microcomputer 51 performs processing to go toS15 automatically, for example, after a lapse of a predetermined time inspite of absence of the operation input for recovery permission. Inaddition, the microcomputer 51 may omit the steps S13 and S14 butperform processing as in the modification shown in FIG. 4B, or may omitonly the step S14 but keep the display function of S13.

In the step S15, the microcomputer 51 changes over the recovery firstrelay 41 to ON. Thus, the switch of the recovery first relay 41 isclosed so that power supply electric power can be fed from the IG powersupply side input line 12 to the +B power supply side input line 11 viathe switch. That is, when electric power from the +B power supply sidecannot be fed due to the disconnection of the +B power supply side inputline 11, electric power is fed instead from the IG power supply sideinput line 12 to the input of the +B power supply side circuit 20 viathe recovery first relay 41, as a recovery operation.

In a step S16, the microcomputer 51 controls the switch allocated forsuppressing electric power consumption, so that electric power feed tothe loads low in priority among the respective power supply systems canbe cut off.

In the case of the power supply box body circuit 10 shown in FIG. 1, theload connected to the output terminal 13 c, 13 d belongs to the bodysystem of the vehicle and is not directly relevant driving so that lowpriority can be allocated to the load connected to the output terminal13 c, 13 d. In addition, the load connected to the output terminal 13 iis in the cabin and not directly relevant to driving so that lowpriority can be allocated to the load connected to the output terminal13 i. Accordingly, in S16, the microcomputer 51 makes control to turnOFF the relay 26 to thereby cut off electric power feed to the outputterminal 13 c, 13 d, and makes control to turn OFF the relay 37 tothereby cut off electric power feed to the output terminal 13 j.

As to specifications of the IG power supply side input line 12, as it isassumed that only the ignition system is a load, there is a highpossibility that feedable electric power may be insufficient. Therefore,when the recovery first relay 41 has been changed over to ON in S15,electric power fed from the IG power supply side input line 12 may beinsufficient in comparison with electric power required by the loads.Therefore, electric power feed to the loads low in priority is cut offin S16 so that shortage of electric power can be eliminated. In thismanner, even when abnormality of disconnection has occurred, electricpower can be recovered to be fed to all the loads directly relevant toany one of running, turning and stopping of the vehicle.

Incidentally, the processing sequence of the steps S15 and S16 may bereversed in some cases or may be processed substantially simultaneouslyin other cases. The sequence of these steps may be changed if occasionsdemand.

<Contents of Display Control>

Contents of two kinds of display control in the vehicle power supply boxdevice shown in FIG. 1 are shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B respectively.That is, when the microcomputer 51 of the control unit 50 shown in FIG.1 executes the “display control” of FIG. 3A or FIG. 3B, screen displayfor the user interface using the operating portion 60 relevant to therecovery operation can be achieved. Incidentally, the “display control”of FIG. 3A or FIG. 3B is repeatedly executed, for example, in a fixedperiod.

In a step S31, the microcomputer 51 updates contents to be displayed onthe display screen 63 of the display portion 62 through the displaycontrol portion 54, and displays the updated contents on the screen asvisual information. In addition, for example, the routes of the +B powersupply side circuit 20 side and the routes of the IG power supply sidecircuit 30 side are displayed in different display colors (e.g. red andblue) from each other or thicknesses of lines of the routes or kinds ofthe lines are changed if necessary so that the routes can be visuallydistinguished from each other. A specific example of display contentswill be described later. Incidentally, display of the routes or a failedportion may be omitted. In this case, S31, S35, S36, S39 and S40 in FIG.3A are omitted so that processing can be performed as shown in FIG. 3B.

The microcomputer 51 identifies presence/absence of abnormality in powersupply in S32. When the abnormality is present, the microcomputer 51goes to S33. In the step S33, for example, the microcomputer 51 displaysa message using characters to notify the user of occurrence of theabnormality in power supply. In a step 34, the microcomputer 51 displaysan “OK” button for operation on the screen so that an input operationcan be performed by the user.

In the step S35, the microcomputer 51 adds display of a figure etc.indicating the occurrence of the abnormality at an abnormalityoccurrence place in the electric power feeding routes shown on thescreen in S31. In the step S36, the microcomputer 51 automaticallydistinguishes the route where electric power feed is stopped from theroutes where electric power feed is continued based on the occurrence ofthe abnormality, and changes over, of the electric power feeding routesdisplayed on the screen in S31, display of the route where the electricpower feed is stopped, to a non-display state or a display suppressionstate.

In a step S37, the microcomputer 51 identifies whether route changeoverhas been completed or not by the recover control shown in FIG. 2A orFIG. 2B. When the route changeover has been completed, the microcomputer51 goes to a next step S38.

In the step S38, the microcomputer 51 displays a message indicating“under recovery” on the screen, for example, as visual information usingcharacters. In the step S39, the microcomputer 51 displays the routewhere electric power is fed by the recovery operation on the screen. Inthe step S40, the microcomputer 51 turns off or suppresses route displayof the place where electric power feed has been cut off by the recoveryoperation, on the screen.

<Specific Example of Screen Display>

A specific example of display contents of the display screen 63corresponding to the “recovery control 1” shown in FIG. 2A and the“display control” shown in FIG. 3A will be described below.

Display contents of the normal time on the display screen in the vehiclepower supply box device shown in FIG. 1 are shown in FIG. 5. Inaddition, display contents of the abnormality occurrence time on thedisplay screen are shown in FIG. 6. Display contents of the recoveryoperation time are shown in FIG. 7.

As shown in FIG. 5, a visual pattern of a shape imitating a contourshape of a vehicle body of the vehicle is displayed as a vehicle bodyindication 63 a on the display screen 63 of the display portion 62.

In addition, when the step S31 in FIG. 3 has been executed, a routeindication 63 b and a route indication 63 c indicating actual mainelectric power feeding routes are displayed on the screen. That is, ofthe electric power feeding routes of the power supply box body circuit10 shown in FIG. 1, an actual route passage position corresponding tothe +B power supply side circuit 20 is displayed as the route indication63 b, and an actual route passage position corresponding to the IG powersupply side circuit 30 is displayed as the route indication 63 c. Inaddition, for example, the route indication 63 b is displayed in a reddisplay color, and the route indication 63 c is displayed in a bluedisplay color.

In addition, a UI display portion 63 d is displayed on the screen as inFIG. 5. When abnormality in power supply does not occur, characters“normal” are displayed.

On the other hand, when abnormality has been detected due to occurrenceof breakdown in the IG2 system relay 28, display contents of the screenare updated as shown in FIG. 6.

In a display example of FIG. 6, a message “abnormality in power supply:IG2 power supply failure” is displayed in the UI display portion 63 d(S33), and the “OK” button for operation is also displayed (S34). Inaddition, an abnormality display pattern 63 e is displayed in anabnormality occurrence place on the route (S35). In addition, the routeindication 63 b indicating the route where electric power is not fed dueto the occurrence of the abnormality, i.e. the +B power supply sidecircuit 20 on a downstream side of the output of the IG2 system relay 28is updated in a non-display state or a display suppression state (S36).

When the recovery operation has been then executed by the control ofFIG. 2A, display contents of the UI display portion 63 d are updated asshown in FIG. 7. In a display example of FIG. 7, a message “IG2 powersupply is under recovery” is displayed on the UI display portion 63 d(S38). Incidentally, a message “abnormality occurred in IG2 powersupply” may be displayed in place of the display example of FIG. 7.

Although not shown, as to the route indication 63 b corresponding to theelectric power feeding route inside the +B power supply side circuit 20where electric power is fed due to the recovery, the route of the placewhere electric power is actually fed is displayed in the same displaycolor as the route indication 63 c by S39. In addition, although notshown, as to the place where electric power feed has been cut off due tothe recovery, the route indication is changed over to OFF by S40.

Incidentally, the form in which the routes or the failed portion isdisplayed has been described here with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7. Theindications or indication for the routes or the failed portion is notessential but may be omitted in the embodiment of the invention.According to a form in this case, processing may be performed as shownin FIG. 3B from which S31, S35, S36, S39 and S40 in FIG. 3A have beenomitted so that information can be displayed by only the UI displayportion 63 d.

<Description of Advantages>

The “recovery control 1” shown in FIG. 2A is carried out. Thus, theroute can be changed over by the recovery second relays 42A and 42B(S25) when electric power cannot be fed to the output side of the switchof the IG2 system relay 28 due to occurrence of breakdown of the IG2system relay 28. Accordingly, electric power can be fed from the outputof the IG1 system relay 36 to the input side of the IG2 system circuit(fuse 24, 25). Thus, even when power supply failure has occurred due tounexpected abnormality (breakdown) in power supply, it is possible tosecure a route for feeding electric power to various electric devicesrequired for driving of the vehicle, so that it is possible to improvesafety of the vehicle.

In addition, when the recovery second relays 42A and 42B are controlledto perform the recovery operation in S25, electric power feed to theloads low in priority and not directly relevant to driving of thevehicle is cut off (S26). Thus, it is possible to suppress totalelectric power consumption of the loads to thereby prevent shortage offed electric power in advance.

The “recovery control 2” shown in FIG. 2B is carried out. Thus, electricpower can be fed instead from the IG power supply side input line 12 tothe input of the +B power supply side circuit 20 using the switch of therecovery first relay 41 when electric power cannot be fed to the inputof the +B power supply side circuit 20 due to occurrence ofdisconnection of the +B power supply side input line 11. Thus, even whenpower supply failure has occurred due to unexpected abnormality(disconnection) in power supply, it is possible to secure a route forfeeding electric power to various electric devices which are necessaryfor driving of the vehicle, so that it is possible to improve safety ofthe vehicle.

In addition, even when the recovery first relay 41 is controlled toperform the recovery operation in S15, electric power feed to the loadslow in priority and not directly relevant to driving of the vehicle iscut off (S16). Thus, it is possible to suppress total electric powerconsumption of the loads to thereby prevent shortage of fed electricpower in advance.

Modification

A modification of the configuration of the aforementioned power supplybox body circuit 10 is shown in FIG. 9. Mounting of the recovery firstrelay 41 shown in FIG. 1 has been omitted from the power supply box bodycircuit 10 shown in FIG. 9. Incidentally, the relay 26 and the relay 37may be further omitted.

That is, when the “recovery control 1” shown in FIG. 2A is carried outand execution of the “recovery control 2” shown in FIG. 2B is omitted,the recovery first relay 41 is not used. Accordingly, the recovery firstrelay 41 can be dispensed with. Even when only the “recovery control 1”is carried out, it is possible to secure the electric power feedingroute during breakdown of the IG2 system relay 28.

Here, the vehicle power supply box device according to the embodiment ofthe invention is summarized briefly and listed in the following items[1] to [5] respectively.

[1] A vehicle power supply box device (power supply box body circuit 10)which is connected between: a first input side power supply line (powersupply side input line 11) for constantly feeding power supply electricpower from a main power supply on a vehicle and a second input sidepower supply line (power supply side input line 12) for feeding powersupply electric power from the main power supply in association with astate of an ignition switch of the vehicle; and a plurality of electricparts mounted on the vehicle, the vehicle power supply box deviceincluding:

a first ignition electric power control system (IG1 system) whichincludes a first ignition relay (IG1 system relay 36) connecteddownstream of the second input side power supply line to be turnedON/OFF in association with the state of the ignition switch, and whichfeeds power supply electric power to first group electric parts (notshown) from an output of a switch portion of the first ignition relay;

a second ignition electric power control system (IG2 system) whichincludes a second ignition relay (IG2 system relay 28) connecteddownstream of the first input side power supply line to be turned ON/OFFin association with the state of the ignition switch, and which feedspower supply electric power to second group electric parts (not shown)from an output of a switch portion of the second ignition relay;

a recovery switch portion (recovery second relays 42A and 42B) which isconnected between the output of the switch portion of the first ignitionrelay and an output of the second ignition electric power controlsystem;

an operation abnormality detecting portion (microcomputer 51, voltagemonitoring portion 52) which detects presence/absence of abnormality inthe output of the switch portion of the second ignition relay (IG2system relay 28); and

a recovery control portion (microcomputer 51, S25) which controls therecovery switch portion to be turned ON/OFF in accordance with thepresence/absence of the abnormality detected by the operationabnormality detecting portion.

[2] The vehicle power supply box device according to the item [1],

wherein the recovery switch portion includes:

-   -   a first selection switch portion (recovery second relay 42A)        which selects one of the output of the switch portion of the        first ignition relay and the output of the switch portion of the        second ignition relay as an electric power feeding system        connected to an input of the second group electric parts; and    -   a second selection switch portion (recovery second relay 42B)        which cuts off electric power feed to the first group electric        parts in response to selection of the output of the switch        portion of the first ignition relay by the first selection        switch portion.

[3] The vehicle power supply box device according to the item [1] or[2],

wherein the operation abnormality detecting portion monitors an inputvoltage to detect presence/absence of abnormality corresponding tooperation failure in the second ignition relay (IG2 system relay 28)(S21, S22).

[4] The vehicle power supply box device according to any one of theitems [1] to [3], further including:

an operating portion (touch panel 61) which accepts an input operationfrom a user; and

a display portion (62) which displays desired information as visualinformation,

wherein the recovery control portion (51) displays visual informationindicating occurrence of abnormality on the display portion (S23) inresponse to detection of the abnormality by the operation abnormalitydetecting portion, and changes over the recovery switch portion to ON(S25) in response to detection of an instruction issued from the user toindicate permission of a recovery operation by the operating portion.

[5] The vehicle power supply box device according to any one of theitems [1] to [3], further including:

a display portion which displays desired information as visualinformation,

wherein the recovery control portion displays, on the display portion,at least one of visual information indicating occurrence of abnormalityand visual information indicating that a predetermined recoveryoperation is in execution due to the occurrence of the abnormality (S33,S35, S38).

Although the invention has been described in detail and with referenceto a specific embodiment, it is obvious to those skilled in the art thatvarious changes or modifications can be added without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

According to embodiments of the invention, it is possible to obtain aneffect that a route for feeding electric power to at least an electricdevice high in importance can be secured even when unexpectedabnormality in power supply has occurred. The embodiments of theinvention which can obtain the effect are useful for a vehicle powersupply box device.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A vehicle power supply box device which isconnected between: a first input side power supply line for constantlyfeeding power supply electric power from a main power supply on avehicle and a second input side power supply line for feeding powersupply electric power from the main power supply in association with astate of an ignition switch of the vehicle; and a plurality of electricparts mounted on the vehicle, the vehicle power supply box devicecomprising: a first ignition electric power control system whichcomprises a first ignition relay connected downstream of the secondinput side power supply line to be turned ON/OFF in association with thestate of the ignition switch, and which feeds power supply electricpower to first group electric parts from an output of a switch portionof the first ignition relay; a second ignition electric power controlsystem which comprises a second ignition relay connected downstream ofthe first input side power supply line to be turned ON/OFF inassociation with the state of the ignition switch, and which feeds powersupply electric power to second group electric parts from an output of aswitch portion of the second ignition relay; a recovery switch portionwhich is connected between the output of the switch portion of the firstignition relay and an output of the second ignition electric powercontrol system; an operation abnormality detecting portion which detectspresence/absence of abnormality in the output of the switch portion ofthe second ignition relay; and a recovery control portion which controlsthe recovery switch portion to be turned ON/OFF in accordance with thepresence/absence of the abnormality detected by the operationabnormality detecting portion.
 2. The vehicle power supply box deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the recovery switch portion comprises: afirst selection switch portion which selects one of the output of theswitch portion of the first ignition relay and the output of the switchportion of the second ignition relay as an electric power feeding systemconnected to an input of the second group electric parts; and a secondselection switch portion which cuts off electric power feed to the firstgroup electric parts in response to selection of the output of theswitch portion of the first ignition relay by the first selection switchportion.
 3. The vehicle power supply box device according to claim 1,wherein the operation abnormality detecting portion monitors an inputvoltage to detect presence/absence of abnormality corresponding tooperation failure in the second ignition relay.
 4. The vehicle powersupply box device according to claim 1, further comprising: an operatingportion which accepts an input operation from a user; and a displayportion which displays desired information as visual information,wherein the recovery control portion displays visual informationindicating occurrence of abnormality on the display portion in responseto detection of the abnormality by the operation abnormality detectingportion, and changes over the recovery switch portion to ON in responseto detection of an instruction issued from the user to indicatepermission of a recovery operation by the operating portion.
 5. Thevehicle power supply box device according to claim 1, furthercomprising: a display portion which displays desired information asvisual information, wherein the recovery control portion displays, onthe display portion, at least one of visual information indicatingoccurrence of abnormality and visual information indicating that apredetermined recovery operation is in execution due to the occurrenceof the abnormality.